real weddings

For Danielle and David, authenticity was a top priority and Big Daddy’s Antiques in Los Angeles was the perfect setting for their unconventional wedding. They were determined to make it unabashedly personal — a true reflection of their personalities. “This was our day, and we wanted it to be authentically us — quirks and all,” says Danielle. The unique warehouse venue, with its one-of-a-kind antique furnishings and non-traditional feel, instantly won the couple over. “We wanted our wedding to combine our modern aesthetic with the antique mood of our venue,” says Danielle. Gather Events helped with the planning, and Scott Clark caught it all on camera.

From Danielle’s a capella performance of Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes” to a reading by David’s sister from the children’s book Days with Frog and Toad, the outdoor ceremony was heartfelt. They exchanged vows they’d written themselves. “We wrote the final sentence together and surprised each other with the rest,” says Danielle, “which turned out to be mirror image promises to each other, each with a good dose of humor.”

A color palette of gray, yellow and white was combined with clean lines and plenty of quirky details (such a hand-knitted ring pillow and yellow paper parasols to provide shade for guests) for decor that both complemented and contrasted with the unusual antique warehouse venue. The picture frame centerpieces with the table numbers featured photos of the bride and groom at that age (“I feel terrible for everyone who had to sit at table 15-17 — our collectively awkward years,” says Danielle.) Laser-cut wooden name tags and placemats doubled as place cards and favors. Instead of a traditional guest book, Danielle and David offered painted wooden tiles on which guests could write well wishes or tidbits of advice. Some even included illustrations! Flower arrangements were decidedly simple: just a few stems for a pop of color and an array of cookies was served in lieu of a traditional wedding cake. The unconventional menu also included fancy burgers and churros.

Danielle and David wanted a fun dance party to top off the celebration, and the dance floor was packed. “By the end of the evening several gentlemen were down to undershirts because they danced too hard, which was exactly what we wanted.” All in all, the über-personal party was a great success: “Afterwards, everyone commented how ‘us’ the day had been.”

The Wedding Makers
Photography: Scott Clark | Planner: Gather Events | Venue: Big Daddy’s Antiques | Caterer: Made By Meg | Hair & Makeup: Susie Chhour | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Bridal gown: Junko Yoshiokar | Men’s attire: Paul Smith | DJ: Dart DJ

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Shown here: White Faux Taxidermy Resin Deer Head; Michael Aram Palm Frame; Swizz Otto Fan; and, Safavieh Woven Leather Armchair.

Shown here: Bulbrite Outdoor String Light with Starlight Bulbs; Tivoli Audio Model One AM/FM Radio with Bluetooth; Surya Bermuda Pouf; and, Crosley Kettle Classic Desk Phone.

Shown here: W&P Design Mason Shaker Barware Set; Villeroy & Boch Artesano Original Eye Catcher Centerpiece, 4-Piece Set; Middle Kingdom Small Lotus Root Vase; and, Miya Company Aranami Blue Wave Flared Serving Bowl.

Shown here: Miya Company Sendan Colors Rice Bowl, Set of 6; Iittala Sarjaton Dinner Collection; Michael Aram Forest Leaf Flatware;and,  Hawkins New York Confetti Highball, Set of 6.

Shown here: Staub Coq au Vin Cocotte/Dutch Oven; KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer; Vietri Lastra Olive Oil Can; and, Brooklyn Slate Cheese Board.

Shown here: Design Ideas Large Takara Column Shelf; Parachute Essential Quilt; Design Ideas Harvest Basket; and, Reed Wilson Design Neighbors Doormat.

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As featured in the latest issue of 2life Weddings Magazine.